Exporting goods to Uruguay, whether it is for the first time, or on a regular basis, can be a challenging experience. There are many elements to consider when shipping to a country such as Uruguay. If you are in Canada or the US and not entirely familiar with the Latin American market, you should consider a cargo shipping company that knows the business culture, the customs regulations and has a proven track record of success when it comes to shipping to Uruguay.
Regulations in Uruguay are not only very different from the ones in the US or Canada, communication methods and business etiquette are also very distinct: ● Corporate culture in Uruguay is relationship-driven. Uruguayans value social justice, education and camaraderie. They put a high value on developing personal relationships rather than formal business connections which is the norm in the US or Canada. Therefore, it is important to develop easy going business “friendships” and to show long-term commitment, as Uruguayans may be more loyal to you personally rather than to the company you represent. ● Flexibility and spontaneity are also common traits of Uruguayans, although in Uruguay punctuality is more valued than in other South American countries. ● It is also important to consider the language as a possible barrier: Although English is widely spoken by the younger generation and by the business executives, there are still many Uruguayans that only speak Spanish.
Uruguay is one of the wealthiest and more stable countries in South America, offering a unique and dynamic business background for companies looking to expand internationally. The country’s economic performance has been historically tied to agriculture and livestock farming. However its recent economic growth is mainly due to the development of the industry sector such as paper or chemicals, and the promotion of free trade zones. The Free Trade Zone (FTZ) plays a major role in the interest of foreign investment to Uruguay. It allows consumer goods to be imported, stored, modified and re-exported, without having to pass through customs, avoiding unnecessary payment of duties or any taxes. The FTZ has become one of the main drivers of the Uruguayan economy. Uruguay is strongly committed to open trade. As a founding member of Mercosur its trade relations with Argentina and Brazil are extremely important. The ALADI trade association also allows Uruguay to enjoy preferential agreements with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Furthermore, Its developing middle class owns the most elevated purchasing power in South America. This class values high quality goods, which generates lots of opportunities for North American exporters. As a result, the need for shipping to and from Uruguay has been increasing exponentially during recent years. With LAC by your side you will reinforce your company’s cargo shipping capability to Uruguay. Our experienced professionals are very familiar with the market requirements in Uruguay which is very important to avoid delays during the importation process. We provide you with all the necessary tools to break into the Uruguayan market, headache free.
Every country in every continent offers a unique mix of laws, guidelines, customs regulations, documentation requirements, controlled or prohibited goods lists, communication norms, and cultural biases. If you want to be successful in penetrating the Uruguayan market, you will need a logistics partner that understands the Uruguayan culture, the business landscape and speaks the local language as well. Our team of experts offer you superior freight forwarding services and the best rates for your cargo shipping to Uruguay. Our combined experience, extensive knowledge; logistics skills and local connections will help you get started on the right foot and make sure that your goods are transported quickly, safely, and worry-free. We have your company’s best interests at heart, if you want to be successful in Uruguay, Latin American Cargo is the best freight forwarding company for you.
If you are sending merchandise to Uruguay by sea or air for the first time, guidance and support will surely be needed, as there are guidelines, prohibitions and restrictions to consider. Documentation requirements vary depending on the category of goods being shipped, and can get quite extensive. They usually include: Commercial invoice, Bill of lading / Air waybill, Packing list, Insurance certificate, Certificate of Origin (if required). To avoid delays or hassles when shipping to Uruguay, your packing list must be as detailed as possible. Vague wording like “miscellaneous” attracts negative attention and further inspections. Regulations can be strict on certain categories of goods being imported to Uruguay. Prior authorization or special permits may be needed for certain items such as animal & plants, motor vehicles, sugar, acetic acid, textiles, shoes or steel for structural uses. Prohibited commodities include used cars, certain paints, certain insecticides, and certain dangerous goods and hazardous products. Duties and tariffs are usually based on the total value of the shipment in question. Depending on how well-documented the cargo is, those values could be determined by the judgment of Customs Officials on the spot. Shipping cargo to Uruguay is easier with LAC as we have overcome these obstacles many times and have developed a thorough understanding of the customs procedures.
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